Illinois State Rallies to Beat No. 1 NDSU 29-28 in FCS Playoffs

In a stunning comeback, No. 17 Illinois State rallied from a 14-point deficit in the final minutes to defeat top-ranked and previously unbeaten North Dakota State 29-28 on Saturday in the second round of the FCS playoffs at the Fargodome in Fargo, North Dakota. The Redbirds, who entered as underdogs, advance to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2019, while the Bison's season ends short of their usual deep playoff run.

Illinois State quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse, who threw five interceptions including two returned for touchdowns, engineered the game-winning drive. With 2:44 remaining and trailing 28-21, Rittenhouse connected with wide receiver Daniel Sobkowicz on an 8-yard touchdown pass to narrow the gap. Moments later, Redbirds defensive lineman Jake Anderson strip-sacked Bison quarterback Cole Payton, and Illinois State recovered the fumble at the North Dakota State 23-yard line.

Facing fourth-and-goal from the 6-yard line with 51 seconds left, Rittenhouse found Sobkowicz again for a 6-yard touchdown, marking their third scoring connection of the game. Instead of attempting an extra point that could have forced overtime, Redbirds coach Brock Spack opted for a...